Right-wing government in danger? Coalition chairman's harsh warning

Coalition chairman MK Ofir Katz (Likud) warns that new small right-wing parties could split the right-wing vote in the elections for the 26th Knesset, causing right-wing votes to be 'lost' and potentially allowing the left to form a government. He calls on Prime Minister Netanyahu to intervene, noting that even a small number of seats could decide the election outcome.

Coalition chairman MK Ofir Katz (Likud) addressed the phenomenon of small right-wing parties emerging ahead of the elections for the 26th Knesset in an interview with Boaz Golan today (Sunday), and sharply criticized the trend. Katz warned of a scenario where national camp votes would be dispersed: 'These are right-wing votes that will be lost – they will watch from home as the left forms a government.' He noted that left-wing parties missed the previous elections by losing over 100,000 votes due to ego games, 'and now, as it looks at the moment, it's going to be in our camp.' Katz further stressed that 'if this happens, we're talking about a small number of seats – but it will decide the elections.' He also expressed confidence that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would intervene in the phenomenon 'and much more strongly – and I think it's truly critical for the elections.' The backdrop to these remarks is the new right-wing party of outgoing MK Sharren Haskel, 'Israel First,' which was launched a day after her resignation from the Knesset.